Rent trucks in Portland, OR

Top tips for renting a truck in Portland

Headed to eccentric Portland, Oregon? Here's what you need to know before you go, including our best advice for navigating city streets, finding parking, and confidently getting around in your truck rental.

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Tips for driving a truck in Portland

If you've never driven a truck before, there are a few things to keep in mind before you step up into the cab. Driving a larger vehicle takes some getting used to, so consider going for a spin in a safe, easily driveable area — such as a parking lot or a suburban street — while you adjust to the truck's size and controls. Many trucks are stick shift (manual), though automatic models are becoming more and more common, especially in smaller trucks.

Portland driving is characterized by consistent traffic and a challenging downtown grid, which features a lot of one-way streets that can make navigation tough for big vehicles. So, it pays to know where you're going, and if possible and necessary, take alternative routes to avoid the city center. For maximum safety and minimal stress while operating your truck rental, always follow road signage and speed limits, and consider using a navigation app to guide you.

Importantly, speed limits in Portland start at 20 miles per hour (mph) in residential areas, downtown, and school zones, followed by 30 to 35 mph on arterial and two-lane roads, and up to 55 mph on highways.

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What is parking a truck like in Portland?

With thousands of city-owned parking spaces scattered throughout Portland, it's generally simple to find a space here, though, depending on your chosen truck rental type, options may be limited by size.

For those hiring a pickup, bays in parking garages or non-parallel street spaces should suffice. In the downtown area, options for secure garages include the Southpark Garage (914 SW Taylor Street), the Central Plaza Garage (337 SW Alder Street), and the Broadway Parking Garage (632 SW Pine Street). Most city streets also feature metered, time-limited street parking, and truck drivers may struggle with their small and narrow nature. If you're navigating a box truck or cargo van rental, consider alternative options like parking in suburban or industrial areas.

When parking a truck, be aware of its length, and take extra precautions in tight spaces (e.g., use your vehicle's parking sensors or backup camera, or ask a passenger to guide you if your vehicle isn't equipped with these conveniences). Always note overhead height limits when entering parking garages.

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How to choose the right type of truck for your Portland trip

If a Portland truck is on your radar, first you'll need to decide the exact type of vehicle you want. The trucks available on Turo vary from small pickup trucks to larger box trucks, all with their own unique capacity, number of seats, and transportation capabilities.

If you're just looking for a stockier vehicle with more power, perhaps a pickup truck is best. Need more space for storing equipment, furniture, or boxes? A cargo van rental gives you flexibility for smaller loads, whereas a box truck rental means tons of room and less back-and-forth between your origin and destination. Note that some trucks only offer a few passenger seats, whereas others can carry up to 7 or 8 people, so your crew will also determine which option suits you best.

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Loading a truck

When loading a truck — whether it’s a pickup truck or a box truck — start by placing your heaviest items low and towards the front of the vehicle (or at the front of the cargo bed) to keep everything nice and stable. Distribute weight evenly on all sides, and use straps or ties to ensure items don’t shift while you drive. If you’re using the open bed of a pickup truck, make sure items are properly secured before driving. It’s also worth checking your rearview and side mirrors before setting off, particularly when navigating Portland’s busy city traffic.

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Gas stations and EV chargers in Portland

Portland is a busy, thriving city with a strong (and continually developing) infrastructure, which includes lots of convenient spots to fill or charge up your truck rental.

Most gas stations are located in the suburbs or downtown, often along major roads. Within close driving range of Portland's center, you'll find options like the Chevron at 1967 SW 4th Avenue, the Northwest Gas at 1613 NW Kearney Street, and the Chevron at 2230 W Burnside Street. Remember, most fuel-based trucks run on diesel rather than normal gasoline, though this isn't a hard-and-fast rule. Before you pull up to the pump, confirm your fuel type — it's usually written under the fuel cap, but you can always cross-check your Turo booking if you're unsure — to avoid any mishaps.

If you've opted for an electric truck rental, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations aren't tough to find, either. Conversely, most charging stations are dotted throughout downtown, with additional high-speed chargers along highways like the I-5 and I-84. Parking garages like the Southpark Garage (914 SW Taylor Street) and the Auditorium Garage (1400 SW 4th Avenue) have chargers, as do some hotels, malls, and office buildings.